ANA CRUZ

MANAGING PARTNER, BALLARD PARTNERS, TAMPA

Cruz has logged more than two decades of experience in lobbying, strategic communications, strategic partnerships, and political consulting. She leads Ballard Partners' Tampa office and works on some of the region’s highest-profile projects and with top business leaders. Cruz served as the executive director of the Florida Democratic Party in the Florida House and U.S. Senate, was presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s 2008 and 2016 Florida campaign spokesperson and adviser, and has successfully run numerous judicial, local and state legislative races. She served on the DNC’s Convention Platform Committee as a representative for future President Joe Biden. Cruz is the daughter of former state Sen. Janet Cruz and is the longtime partner of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. She was the youngest person and first Latina to lead the Florida Democratic Party.

EDUCATION: University of Tampa (BA)